The role of vaginal contraceptives in preventing venereal disease and pregnancy.

Barrier methods of contraception also protect women against venereal disease. Most modern intravaginal contraceptive methods employ nonoxynol 9 (nonylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol) or some derivative of this compound as the active ingredient with a relatively inert carrier base or vehicle. This nonionic surface active agent kills human spermatozoa by inhibiting oxygen uptake and fructolysis as well as by causing leakage of cytochrome c from the cells. A recent study by Berger found lower prevalence rates of cervical gonorrhea infection among users of barrier methods compared to users of oral contraceptives or IUDs. In vitro studies from Cutler found a number of commercially available vaginal chemical contraceptives which inhibit growth of N. gonorrhea and the motility of T. pallidum: Delfen cream Delfen foam Koromex jelly Lorophyn suppositories Ortho cream Orthogynol jelly Preceptin gel Ramses vaginal cream. Depending on the study the reported use-effectiveness for vaginal chemical contraceptives ranges from 2 to more than 40 pregnancies per 100 woman-years. Pelvic infections have been estimated to occur 3-5 times more frequently among women using the IUD than among those who do not. The side effects from oral contraceptives and IUDs have led many younger couples to return to more traditional birth control methods. Barrier methods not only have fewer side effects they also help prevent transmittable venereal diseases.